CASH rewards as well as mobile phone and i-tunes vouchers are being offered to those who “dob in the yobs” in Stockton.

Cleveland police and Crimestoppers are aiming to tackle the problem of criminal damage - 30pc of all crime recorded in the borough.

Police chiefs say the vandals often get away with it because they vanish within minutes or even seconds of committing the crime.

But by offering rewards for information, police are hoping to encourage members of the community to come forward.

Inspector Andy Fox, of Stockton Police, promoted the new initiative at Riverbank Children’s Centre in Thornaby, which has suffered a number of vandalism attacks, including smashed windows, in the last few weeks.

Insp Fox said somebody in the local community, be it parents or youngsters, will know the culprits.

“Tell us who it is and we will do something about it,” he said.

“People can call Crimestoppers anonymously. You don’t have to leave your name and address but can still claim a reward of cash, mobile phone or i-tunes vouchers.”

Rewards will be given for information leading to a successful prosecution, but this can include police cautions.

Leaflets highlighting the campaign will be put up in community centres, clubs and schools in known “hotspot areas” for criminal damage.

“We want to encourage young people to be more socially responsible,” said Insp Fox. “Often committing criminal damage is seen as an initiation ceremony for some kids. But because any damage is classed as a crime it can blow crime figures out of proportion.”

Hotspot areas targeted could include Hardwick and Norton, where yobs caused thousands of pounds of damage when the tyres of around 30 cars were slashed in October.

The new initiative has been launched using funding given to the Safer Stockton Partnership from the Home Office.